Hongkongers may be able to see a “blood moon” as part of a total lunar eclipse if the weather is favourable next month, the city’s local forecaster has said.
The Hong Kong Observatory said on Friday that the eclipse would start at 11.26pm on September 7 when the moon enters the “penumbra”, or partial shadow.
The total eclipse would only start at 1.30am the next day, when the moon was completely engulfed in the “umbra”, or total shadow, it added.
The forecaster said the maximum eclipse would occur at 2.12am, with the total eclipse to last for one hour and 23 minutes before the moon started to exit the umbra at 2.53am.
“During the period, the moon will not completely disappear from sight, but will appear dull red,” the Observatory said.
“This is the result of the blue light component of the sunlight being scattered by the Earth’s atmosphere and the remaining red light being refracted onto the lunar surface.
“The elevation of the moon will be relatively high during the eclipse. The whole event can be directly observed with unaided eyes at places with an unobstructed view to the south and southwest if the weather permits.”
The forecaster said the entire process of the lunar eclipse would end at 4.57am on September 8 when the moon exits the penumbra.
Hong Kong last witnessed a lunar eclipse in October 2023.
The city’s next observable lunar eclipse will be a total lunar eclipse and will take place on March 3 next year.
